News from Comhaltas

Our current music school term runs until 29th May with only one (small) break at Easter on the 26th and 27th of March.

New banjo class in Craobh Crotaigh

Our sister branch, Craobh Crotaigh, which covers the area of Clonea (Power), Rathgormack and Crehana in Co Waterford, are delighted to announce that they have a new banjo teacher in Brendan Clancy who will be taking classes on Saturday mornings at 12 midday in Maudie Kennedy’s pub. Brendan is a well know musician (and fiddle player) who is studying for his degree in Irish music in the University of Limerick. His grandfather Tomas Clancy won many All-Irelands on the mouth organ and has been a great champion and supporter of traditional music over the years. If you are interested in taking up the banjo call Bernie 087 9468125 or Marcella 646281.

On a historical note, the three Flanagan Brothers from Waterford, Joe, Louis and Mike were responsible for the popularity of the banjo in the 1920s dancehalls on the east coast of the USA. One of their CDs “The Tunes we liked to play on Paddy’s Day” is still available and even features duet banjo playing.